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Neuropathy

Neuropathy

Neuropathy Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND   Neuropathy is usually something that most people associate with diabetes. This is an accurate connection because one of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. But did you know that neuropathy can also occur after cancer treatments? To 

Cerebral Care

Cerebral Care

Cerebral Care Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND   I wanted to take the time to talk about one of my favorite formulas for our memory and brain health. This formula is called Cerebral Care. But what is it about this formula that I like so much? 

Combat Chemo Brain

Combat Chemo Brain

Combat Chemo Brain

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

 

One topic that comes up a lot is what to do about the side effects that can occur as a result of the different cancer treatments.  The first side effect I will be talking about is called cancer-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction. You may have heard it referred to as chemo brain or chemo fog. Chemo brain refers to thinking and memory problems that can occur during and/or after cancer treatments. (1)  In my professional opinion on working with those who experience chemo brain it is best to wait until treatment is complete before addressing the symptoms experienced with chemo brain. This is to ensure no potential interactions between the supplements and cancer treatments that could occur.

What are the most common symptoms of chemo brain that you may experience? Well you may notice that you are unusually disorganized and have difficulty concentrating. You may also notice that you feel confused and have a short attention span that may make it difficult to multitask. In fact you may find that it takes you longer to do things than it would normally. When you are speaking you may have trouble with finding the right words and later on you may find you have trouble with verbal memory or even visual memory. In other words you may notice you have trouble recalling conversations or in recalling a list of words. You may also experience difficulty planning activities. You may notice that there is an increased difficulty in learning any new skills. Overall you may find you have short term memory changes and a general feeling of mental fatigue. (1) Lastly you may even find it difficult to make up your mind or even plan things such as family outings. (2)

While anyone who is undergoing treatment for cancer can experience chemo brain there are some factors that can increase your risk. These can include having brain cancer or cancer that has spread to the brain. Having received radiation to the brain can increase your risk. Additionally if you receive higher doses of either chemo or radiation you are at a higher risk for chemo brain.  Being either younger or older at the time of cancer diagnosis as well as treatment places you at a higher risk of developing chemo brain. (1) Being anemic or just not getting all the nutrients you need can also increase chemo brain risk. If you have an infection it can also increase chemo brain risk. Certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping, chronic pain, anxiety or depression can all increase chemo brain risk. Additionally alcohol or other mind altering substances can increase your risk. Even certain hormonal changes such as menopause are risk factors. Lastly being weak or frail can both increase your risk of chemo brain. (2)

What can you do if you find that after treatment you have developed chemo brain?

  • You can start by controlling things in your environment that may be affecting your memory. For example reduce the noise that is around you. Eat a snack before beginning any activity so you reduce hunger that may distract you. Lastly pick a time of day to do activities where you feel most “alert”.
  • It is also important to stay organized. This can often involve using calendars or planners to help.
  • It is also helpful to take breaks and divide your tasks into more manageable portions so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
  • Exercise your brain with crossword puzzles. It is also helpful to be active. (1)
  • It is also important to get enough sleep. (2)
  • Inositol has been found in studies to help with brain health, memory and our ability to learn. (3) Please see Invite’s Cerebral Care!
  • Acetyl-L- Carnitine has been found in studies to help with signs of mental fatigue as well as help improve memory. (4) Please see Invite’s Cerebral Care, Cognition Hx as well as our Alcar + Ala which is available in both tablet and capsule form!
  • Phosphatidylserine has been found in studies to help to improve our memory. (5) Please see Invite’s Cerebral Care, Cognition as well as our Phosphatidylserine formula.
  • Omega 3s haves been found in studies to be associated with increased memory, increased processing speeds and even a healthier brain. (6) Please see Invite’s Fish Oil and Krill Oil!
  • Our product highlight will focus on Cerebral Care!

 

Sources

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/symptoms-causes/syc-20351060
  2. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/changes-in-mood-or-thinking/chemo-brain.html
  3. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/209115#:~:text=Myo%2D%20inositol%20is%20also%20a,neurotransmission%2C%20learning%2C%20and%20memory.
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18065594/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2966935/
  6. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/9/1278#:~:text=The%20entorhinal%20cortex%2C%20frontal%20pole,speed%2C%20and%20structural%20brain%20measures.

Blue Light is Hard on the Eyes

Blue Light is Hard on the Eyes

Blue Light is Hard on the Eyes Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND   Blue light is something you may have heard talked about in the news and even all over social media. But just what do we know about this new phenomenon? I wanted to tackle 

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET~ THE FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET~ THE FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET~ THE FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT   The Mediterranean Diet is often thought of as one of the best ways of eating. This is a great example of how a well-balanced diet, combined with complimentary supplements, can set 

Invite Health Powders

Invite Health Powders

Invite Health Powders

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

 

Invite Health has an amazing line of superfood powders that can easily be incorporated into your vision heath protocol. These powders include Reds Hx, Purples Hx and both Greens Hx and Organic Greens. These powders easily complement each other as well as Invite’s Macula Advanced formula.  In this blog I’ll be doing a general overview of nutrients that may be found in 1 or more of the powders mentioned. For more information on each induvial powder feel free to contact an Invite nutritionist.

Let’s start with antioxidants. We all know that antioxidants are good four our health. Studies have found that antioxidants have promising benefits for a number of different eye diseases. (1) While more studies have found antioxidants helpful for reducing the risk of cataract formation. (2) In addition to helping with cataracts antioxidants have also been found to “be a promising therapy for those with glaucoma”. (3) Studies have also found that antioxidants can help reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy. (4)

I know what you’re thinking, but Dr. Claire the powders you mentioned are full of fruits and veggies! Of course they have antioxidants. What else can I expect to find among the different nutrients? Grape Seed? Grape Seed extract is one of my favorite nutrients. Grape Seed has been found to help reduce the risk of cataracts. (5) Grape Seed has also been found to help protect eye nerve health in those with increased eye pressure. (6) For more detail on Grape Seed check out my blog Grape Seed for our vision?

Another nutrient you might spy among the 4 powders I mentioned is Quercetin. This nutrient has been found to have significant benefits for our eyes. Studies have looked at quercetin for conditions such as dry eye, eye inflammation and Neovascularization of the cornea. (7)

The next nutrient you’ll find amongst the different powders is astaxanthin. Recent studies have found that it promotes better outcomes for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and even macular degeneration. (8)

Bilberry is another powerful eye nutrient you can spot in the powders I mentioned. To start with studies have found that using bilberry can help keep our eyes healthy. (9) In another study it was found when using a combination of pine bark and bilberry there was a reduction in eye pressure, which is important in talking about diseases such as glaucoma. (10) Bilberry has also been found in studies to help reduce the risk of cataracts. (11)  As I talked about in my blog on diabetic retinopathy studies have found that bilberry can help to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy. (12) For more information on bilberry please check out my blog on bilberry extract!

Lastly you may also spy Lutein amongst the nutrients. Lutein has been found to be beneficial for macular degeneration. Additionally lutein has been found to have powerful anti-inflammatory benefits which may be helpful at reducing the symptoms of various chronic diseases. (13)  According to studies lutein can help to reduce the risk of developing cataracts. (14) In fact one study with over 30,000 participants found a “significant reduction in cataract risk in those with the highest levels of lutein”. (15) Another study found that after just 2 years of use lutein supplementation was helpful in improving vision. (16) A 24 week study found that in those with Retinitis pigmentosa lutein supplementation significantly increased the visual field. (17) Overall I have found that these powders are chock full of different nutrients for our eyes! When added to a vision plan they can be an easy way to increase your intake of these nutrients. Our next blog will be about something you may have heard of, “blue light”.

Sources

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9550496/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23438873/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7690615/
  4. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41433-020-01208-z
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3025097/
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33078305/
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685256/
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7281326/
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146147/
  10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33536714/
  11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/bilberry
  12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10181411/
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164534/
  14. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11596-008-0331-2
  15. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522041351
  16. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900702008614
  17. https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2415-6-23